10 Best Sustainable Summer Activities
Summer is in full swing, and so is the summer fun! While everyone is out enjoying the weather, it’s important to remember the impact we have on our surrounding environment. Parties, road trips and travel in general can produce a lot more waste than we’re aware of. That’s why we put together this handy list of the best sustainable summer activities to help make this summer your greenest yet!
Top 10 Sustainable Summer Activities
Let’s dive into some of the easiest ways to leave little to no impact on our earth this summer.
1. Throw a plant party.
Looking for a good excuse to round up the crew without creating too much waste? Host a plant party! You can research plants that are native to your area and plan either a small garden or potted plants for everyone to take home. If you live in a warmer region, plants like succulents are low-impact as they demand the least amount of water in temperate conditions.
2. Break out the bike.
There’s no better time of year to bust out your wheels than summer. Whether it’s a bike or those rollerblades collecting dust in your closet, those wheels leave way less of an impact than motorvehicles. Check out local groups in your city for summer ride-alongs!
3. Clean up your local beach or park.
Summer = great weather, which also = crowds. Crowds mean an influx of trash and pollution in concentrated areas such as beaches and parks. Round up your friends, family or coworkers to do a beach or park cleanup. All you need are gloves and a trash bag to make a positive impact that the entire community can enjoy.
4. Thrift or swap summer clothing.
There’s nothing like a closet-refresh, but sometimes it comes at a cost both financially and environmentally. Instead of splurging on the latest, trendiest clothes that are often produced unethically, hold a clothing swap for you and your friends to trade clothing. You’ll save money and support sustainable practices by abstaining from fast fashion!
5. Declutter and recycle old devices.
One of the most rewarding sustainable summer activities is decluttering your space while also getting paid for it. Summer is a time when things tend to accumulate at home, and ecoATM is here to help with any used devices you may come across. Bring in your used smartphones and tablets to any of our 6,500 kiosk locations across the US to get paid today.
6. Host a low-waste picnic.
Picnics are a great way to enjoy the outdoors. They’re also a way that trash can be generated quickly. Host a “low-waste picnic” where you encourage everyone to bring as little trash and waste as possible. This means practicing low-waste avenues such as reusable containers and utensils, or bringing home-grown vegetables and fruits. Bonus points for an after-picnic cleanup!
7. Make DIY eco-friendly products.
Much like our blog post on eco-friendly spring cleaning, there are a variety of swaps you can make for summer products as well. One of our favorites is DIY eco-friendly bug spray that you can make at home with essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and lemon eucalyptus, as well as witch hazel, water, and sometimes a mild soap.
8. Hit the trail and go camping.
While this one is obvious, it’s also one of the best ways to truly enjoy the great outdoors! Hit your local trail or plan a camping trip to explore the beauty that our planet has to offer. Just remember to pack up everything you bring!
9. Eat local and seasonal treats.
Summer offers a huge assortment of seasonal foods that are best enjoyed now than any other time during the year:
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries
- Stone fruits: Peaches, plums and cherries
- Melons: Cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon
- Veggies: Corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash and bell peppers
10. Visit your local farmer’s market.
The best place to purchase all of the above mentioned food is your local farmer’s market. These markets contain local produce that often skip the pesticides and other harmful practices that larger grocery stores use. Make sure to bring a reusable bag or container for your fresh produce.
